Technology Tips at Home

Cyber safety is an important parent-child discussion
to revisit frequently, from elementary school through high school. Experts warn
that children are most vulnerable to online dangers while in their own home.
The following suggestions are drawn from a wide
variety of professional sources that may aid you in effectively guiding your
child’s use of the iPad and other technology devices.

Filter AccessFiltering software is not built in to the iPad.While many potential dangers are filtered and
blocked on the school’s wireless network so students can’t access them, children
often have complete, unrestricted access to inappropriate sites at home.Experts strongly suggest installing software
to filter and block inappropriate content on your wireless home network.Here's a short, two minute instructional
video for you describing how easy this is to do with free OpenDNS software. Some products offer additional protection features
such as cell phone filtering, text message and photo screening tools, and
digital footprint/reputation monitoring.

Set ExpectationsRegularly share your expectations with your child
about accessing only appropriate sites and content, as well as being a good
person when online (even when parents aren't watching).Outside of school, it is likely that your child has already been
confronted with multiple opportunities to access content that parents wouldn’t
approve, such as pornography, hate sites, celebrity gossip, reality TV, personal
blogs and more, all of which may influence your teen's beliefs, values and
behavior.Understand that your teen's use of many
technologies (such as iPods, video game systems, and cell phones) likely gives
your teen the ability to connect to unfiltered public wireless networks (such as
in a library or coffee shop, by picking up a neighbor’swireless signal, or connecting to the Internet through a cell
service).Therefore, it is important to maintain
regular, open dialog about Internet use and access. Discuss your expectation for
appropriate use and behavior.

Monitor & Limit Screen TimeExperts suggest having teens surf the Internet in a
central place at home, such as the kitchen or family room, rather than away from
adult supervision or behind a closed door. Know what your child is doing with
technology and how his or her time is being spent. Technology can be a great
tool and resource, but also has the potential to be a big distractor. Help your
child learn to focus on completing tasks or assignments first before spending
time on games, shopping and social networking. Teaching today’s children how to
manage multiple sources of information and potential distractions is a critical
life skill, one best learned before heading off to college or the workplace.

Put the iPad to bed, but not in the
bedroomParenting experts suggest parking all technology
devices, from cell phones to iPads, in a common spot overnight to discourage
late night, unmonitored use and sleep disruption.Don’t
allow your teen to sleep with the iPad, laptop or cell phone. Remember to model
appropriate use and balance of technology in your own life, too!